I previously wrote about the abroad experience and how it is full of many firsts. Today was another. Today, I finally had the gall to rock the scarf (see previous post titled "A Few Thoughts").
Oh the feeling of neck warmth.
One word: divine.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Valencia
This weekend a few of us flew to Valencia. I am going to try something different--namely I am going to tell my weekend in the form of a photo essay. Enjoy:
welcome to valencia
valencia is on the mediterranean sea (eastern spain)
this is a desolate boardwalk...i imagine in a few more weeks it will be crowded
it is a modern city;
it is an old city;
let us juxtapose the two...[modern = left; old= right]
it is also a pretty city;
another example indicating prettiness.
there was a church,
a soccer team,
and a random street performer.
*we saw him two days in a row at different places.
**same songs.
***his best two: a unique and original version of both "Wonderwall" by Oasis, and "Hound Dog" by Elvis.
speaking of the King...cool graffiti.
here's my first hostel,
the plaza de toros,
bridges make good photos.
and so do reflections...
here's Tommy;
he is from Finland;
he slept in our same hostel room;
he traveled alone;
he followed us everywhere for three straight days;
he was a chain smoker.
this collection of buildings is an imax,
an aquarium,
a modern science museum,
a planetarium,
among many other things.
a park.
statues.
an orange tree.
*valencia is famous for their oranges.
**my conclusion: they are pretty decent
park [revisited]
*the park was huge and great people watching.
the park once more.
welcome to valencia
valencia is on the mediterranean sea (eastern spain)
this is a desolate boardwalk...i imagine in a few more weeks it will be crowded
it is a modern city;
it is an old city;
let us juxtapose the two...[modern = left; old= right]
it is also a pretty city;
another example indicating prettiness.
there was a church,
a soccer team,
and a random street performer.
*we saw him two days in a row at different places.
**same songs.
***his best two: a unique and original version of both "Wonderwall" by Oasis, and "Hound Dog" by Elvis.
speaking of the King...cool graffiti.
here's my first hostel,
the plaza de toros,
and a cool euro-mullet.
*other notable facts about this kid: 15 seconds before this picture was taken, he decided he had to go the bathroom, stopped, and actually peed on the sidewalk like it was no big deal.
*other notable facts about this kid: 15 seconds before this picture was taken, he decided he had to go the bathroom, stopped, and actually peed on the sidewalk like it was no big deal.
bridges make good photos.
and so do reflections...
here's Tommy;
he is from Finland;
he slept in our same hostel room;
he traveled alone;
he followed us everywhere for three straight days;
he was a chain smoker.
this collection of buildings is an imax,
an aquarium,
a modern science museum,
a planetarium,
among many other things.
a park.
statues.
an orange tree.
*valencia is famous for their oranges.
**my conclusion: they are pretty decent
park [revisited]
*the park was huge and great people watching.
the park once more.
final thoughts that cannot be portrayed in photo form:
1) valencia is famous for paella, which i thoroughly enjoyed
2) we saw the movie "into the wild" (in spanish)
3) we went to a flea market
4) at the flea market, a pick pocketer was arrested right in front of my face
5) probably walked around 12-15 miles over the course of a three day trip
6) i had a great time.
7) valencia was one of my favorite cities due to the fact that i always play with their soccer team in video games; this trip solidified my allegiance towards the city, as well as their futbol club.
-el fin
1) valencia is famous for paella, which i thoroughly enjoyed
2) we saw the movie "into the wild" (in spanish)
3) we went to a flea market
4) at the flea market, a pick pocketer was arrested right in front of my face
5) probably walked around 12-15 miles over the course of a three day trip
6) i had a great time.
7) valencia was one of my favorite cities due to the fact that i always play with their soccer team in video games; this trip solidified my allegiance towards the city, as well as their futbol club.
-el fin
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Quick Update.
A few quick things:
1) Spanish people take care of their older population; everyday I walk the streets and see "children" walking their parents around town. They spend time with them. They stay engaged in their lives. I think it is safe to say we could learn from them in this regard.
2) Although I claim I have never smoked a cigarette in my life, I sympathize with smokers in the States. Fact is, we tend to treat them as lepers. Here smokers are accepted, and I accept that idea.
3) I had my first European cold this week, but I am feeling much better at this point.
4) Usually I would not give two hoots about Hollywood gossip, but I am kind of bummed about Heath. I mean, A Knight's Tale (where he hung out with Chaucer) and The Patriot = good flicks.
5) Doing my best to follow US politics while I am over here; is it just me or do we not have a real Republican Party anymore? My theory: the Dems have shifted to a more socialist position; the Elephants are the new Donkeys. Where are the real Adam Smith's these days?...since when did we become a country of people demanding handouts? Instead of following Europe in this regard, we should mirror them in other ways (see comment 1 and 2 above, as well as posts below for how we should follow their lead). All I am saying is what happened to the American pioneering spirit. Where are the Lewis and Clark's anymore? It is probably a good thing I cannot consistently follow politics right now. It would just upset me further.
6) Apologies for the political rant. I am just frustrated. I don't want government assistance or intervention extending further than the very basics. I want to look back in the future and be proud of what I have accomplished. All I know is I want the opportunity to be self-made; self-governing as well.
7) Spain is a great experience. I realized recently what I loved so much about it. Generally, I love the challenge it presents daily. I love (since my Spanish is dismal) how things as simple as getting to a destination or going to a pharmacy becomes somewhat difficult. I guess you could say I am addicted to the daily difficulties of a foreign experience. Every day is original. There is no going through the motions.
8) I am off to Valencia tomorrow...
Until Sunday (at the earliest), ty
1) Spanish people take care of their older population; everyday I walk the streets and see "children" walking their parents around town. They spend time with them. They stay engaged in their lives. I think it is safe to say we could learn from them in this regard.
2) Although I claim I have never smoked a cigarette in my life, I sympathize with smokers in the States. Fact is, we tend to treat them as lepers. Here smokers are accepted, and I accept that idea.
3) I had my first European cold this week, but I am feeling much better at this point.
4) Usually I would not give two hoots about Hollywood gossip, but I am kind of bummed about Heath. I mean, A Knight's Tale (where he hung out with Chaucer) and The Patriot = good flicks.
5) Doing my best to follow US politics while I am over here; is it just me or do we not have a real Republican Party anymore? My theory: the Dems have shifted to a more socialist position; the Elephants are the new Donkeys. Where are the real Adam Smith's these days?...since when did we become a country of people demanding handouts? Instead of following Europe in this regard, we should mirror them in other ways (see comment 1 and 2 above, as well as posts below for how we should follow their lead). All I am saying is what happened to the American pioneering spirit. Where are the Lewis and Clark's anymore? It is probably a good thing I cannot consistently follow politics right now. It would just upset me further.
6) Apologies for the political rant. I am just frustrated. I don't want government assistance or intervention extending further than the very basics. I want to look back in the future and be proud of what I have accomplished. All I know is I want the opportunity to be self-made; self-governing as well.
7) Spain is a great experience. I realized recently what I loved so much about it. Generally, I love the challenge it presents daily. I love (since my Spanish is dismal) how things as simple as getting to a destination or going to a pharmacy becomes somewhat difficult. I guess you could say I am addicted to the daily difficulties of a foreign experience. Every day is original. There is no going through the motions.
8) I am off to Valencia tomorrow...
Until Sunday (at the earliest), ty
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Mas.
I stole these from other students who, unlike me, were able to slyly snap a few photos while security was distracted (see below post for information on these places):
Jesus.
*Located inside the Valley of the Fallen Church
**he is the center of the altar area and directly below the large cross found outside of the monument (see below post for it's photo)
ceiling in El Escorial
a missed photo opportunity on my end [Escorial]
Escorial y Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen)
Took a day trip to El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos yesterday. El Escorial is a large palace commissioned by Felipe II, which took over twenty years to build during the 16th century. The palace, in fact, includes a Royal Pantheon, Museum of Art (Flemish, Spanish, and Italian works), a library, a monastery, a church, royal apartments, incredible architecture, a wealth of courtyards, among many other things. I like to think of it rather as a small city.
The Valle de los Caidos was awesome to experience. It is a monument that the Dictator Franco (which yes mom, he reminds me of "You've Got Mail") had constructed to remember the soldiers of Spain's Civil War. Although it is an incredible monument, it is very confrontational for most Spaniards because: (a) Franco built it (b) Franco is buried in it (by the altar in fact), along with Jose Antonio Primo de Riviera who was the founder of the Falange Espanola Party (c) it was built by prisoners of war (d) many of which died during its construction (e) it is somewhat the symbol of the old dictatorship (f) thousands of soldiers from each side of the Civil War are buried behind the walls. One can see why many think it is creepy. My apologies for the lack of pictures. I could not take pictures inside either one. Below are a few:
My tour guides hair:
he had a really deep voice, and loved to touch people (gender not important...or is it sex not important--I forget when to use which word these days).
Valley of the Fallen Monument
[the cross is 150m tall]
A little closer.
A little, little closer.
*below this, there is an entrance in the mountain leading to the Church and monastery.
David...
El Escorial
A few final remarks:
1) My friend Sondra pointed out when we were at Retiro Park how it is strange to hear people talk to dogs in another language. I agree with her.
2) One girl in my program said to her friends (when at the Valley of the Fallen) that it reminded her of that monument with the heads in the States. A friend responded, "You mean Rushmount?" Girl one replied, "Yeah, that's it!"...these were Americans :(
3) I still love flan.
4) Zit coming in on nose; a little self-conscious ahora (reoccurring theme?)
1) My friend Sondra pointed out when we were at Retiro Park how it is strange to hear people talk to dogs in another language. I agree with her.
2) One girl in my program said to her friends (when at the Valley of the Fallen) that it reminded her of that monument with the heads in the States. A friend responded, "You mean Rushmount?" Girl one replied, "Yeah, that's it!"...these were Americans :(
3) I still love flan.
4) Zit coming in on nose; a little self-conscious ahora (reoccurring theme?)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Real Madrid
I went to a Real Madrid game last night. People here love futbol. They lost; it was still a neat experience. Mire:
real madrid.
real madrid [dos].
Ps. I heard a street performer playing Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night" while walking in the city today. Happiness followed.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A few thoughts...
First and foremost, it is bitter cold with the wind here. I have a scarf, but I am scared to wear it. Nearly every day I get it out only to put it back in the closet. I seriously choose to rather endure the wicked cold and expose my vulnerable neck than wrap it with that warmly knit cloth. Why? I am having doubts of whether I could be one to pull off the scarf...and if so, then one must deal with what style. Do I do the basic half-drape around the neck? Or rather, am I the kind to pull off the shorter, fold-in-half-to-loop around neck approach? Decisions, decisions, decisions. Curse indecisiveness. Insecurity as well.
Furthermore, I previously wrote that I could not withdraw money. Here's the scoop: although I called the bank twice and told them I would be here, they still failed; apparently there was a large scam with some of their cards last week in Europe, so they decided to not authorize any cards to work in many European countries--including mine, even if I clearly informed them I would be here. I know, let's make it difficult for all our customers. Smart. Luckily, I had the foresight to try and withdraw money before I actually needed it.
Finally, living in the city is bad in one regard. That is, I have been known to check myself out when the opportunity presents itself. With car windows and shinny tall buildings, my chances to do so have increased exponentially, and I am having a tough time acclimating to such an environment.
Oh the difficulties of an abroad experience; keep me in your thoughts...
Furthermore, I previously wrote that I could not withdraw money. Here's the scoop: although I called the bank twice and told them I would be here, they still failed; apparently there was a large scam with some of their cards last week in Europe, so they decided to not authorize any cards to work in many European countries--including mine, even if I clearly informed them I would be here. I know, let's make it difficult for all our customers. Smart. Luckily, I had the foresight to try and withdraw money before I actually needed it.
Finally, living in the city is bad in one regard. That is, I have been known to check myself out when the opportunity presents itself. With car windows and shinny tall buildings, my chances to do so have increased exponentially, and I am having a tough time acclimating to such an environment.
Oh the difficulties of an abroad experience; keep me in your thoughts...
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Gathering my bearings...
Toledo is long and gone. My recent transition from Toledo to Madrid meant going from a small and quaint little town to a vibrant, urban city that never calms. It has been my new task/aim to get accustomed to this very modern place. Strangely I have found that I often forget I am actually in another country (language aside); cities share commonalities. And along the same lines, I have observed that American companies/culture seem to strongly contribute to this feeling since they can be found everywhere, whether that is the Dunkin' Donuts down the street from my apartment or the American Pop music layered in between Spanish songs at many clubs.
With that, I have wandered somewhat aimlessly the last few days which is something I definitely recommend. Try walking (for once) with absolutely no purpose or concept of time. Simply amazing. As for my specific happenings, since Thursday I have: (1) experienced Old Madrid (2) been in the biggest department store of my life--"el corte ingles"--completely overwhelming (3) seen the Plaza del Sol (both during the day and night) (4) figured out my cell phone (5) stayed out until four or five in the morning (5) ventured to the Prado Museo--complete with paintings by El Greco, Rafael, Goya, Velazquez, Rembrandt, etc. (6) walked in El Retiro, which I imagine is similar to Central Park (7) tried and continually failed to withdraw money from many ATM's (8) watched other students immediately take out money from those same ATM's...curse my bank who assured me everything was ready for my trip (9) stood at the center point of the entire country (10) visited the Palacio Royal y Plaza Mayor (11) dined at a hole in the wall sandwich place. I had a delicious bocadillo de chorizo (12) been rained on (13) got lost (14) figured out the Metro (15) began to plan future trips in Europe (16) fell in love...w/flan. (17) realized coins can be useful (18) listened to my senora "the dinner philosopher". Best lessons so far: "La calle es el mejor profesor" = "The Street is the best professor" or "One should take time to walk and eat with people everyday." or "No culture is better or worse--just different." (19) found the Real Madrid Stadium, which is only ten minutes from my apartment (20) experienced tortilla espanola. Google it. (21) gone in the wrong bathroom; it had really weird artistic signs for both (no words). I did not know what was what so I, being proactive, simply guessed. You already know the result--I chose poorly. I have never seen those before, and I haven't since (22) and finally, I have taken many pictures along the way.
flowers + arch + view
bubbles.
Two additional thoughts: (1) kids are the same everywhere.
(2) had to coyly pretend I was taking a picture of something else in the distance. Papa watching.
long.
Tarot cards
formula for great: [ADD] an old couple, a little boat, and mix in a rower with a pony tail.
Retiro [another part]
Park Entrance
art resides aqui
the ritz
dog + dad + kid receiving sunday advice = the good life
*note: taken immediately after the dad timed the son's sprint to a trashcan
**note: photo compliments of my camera's mega zoom option
dressed for the part...Madrid is clean.
Plaza Mayor
oldest door in Madrid or Spain (I forget which)
Always Something...
Palacio Real [w/zoom]
Palacio Real
Madrid Cathedral
With that, I have wandered somewhat aimlessly the last few days which is something I definitely recommend. Try walking (for once) with absolutely no purpose or concept of time. Simply amazing. As for my specific happenings, since Thursday I have: (1) experienced Old Madrid (2) been in the biggest department store of my life--"el corte ingles"--completely overwhelming (3) seen the Plaza del Sol (both during the day and night) (4) figured out my cell phone (5) stayed out until four or five in the morning (5) ventured to the Prado Museo--complete with paintings by El Greco, Rafael, Goya, Velazquez, Rembrandt, etc. (6) walked in El Retiro, which I imagine is similar to Central Park (7) tried and continually failed to withdraw money from many ATM's (8) watched other students immediately take out money from those same ATM's...curse my bank who assured me everything was ready for my trip (9) stood at the center point of the entire country (10) visited the Palacio Royal y Plaza Mayor (11) dined at a hole in the wall sandwich place. I had a delicious bocadillo de chorizo (12) been rained on (13) got lost (14) figured out the Metro (15) began to plan future trips in Europe (16) fell in love...w/flan. (17) realized coins can be useful (18) listened to my senora "the dinner philosopher". Best lessons so far: "La calle es el mejor profesor" = "The Street is the best professor" or "One should take time to walk and eat with people everyday." or "No culture is better or worse--just different." (19) found the Real Madrid Stadium, which is only ten minutes from my apartment (20) experienced tortilla espanola. Google it. (21) gone in the wrong bathroom; it had really weird artistic signs for both (no words). I did not know what was what so I, being proactive, simply guessed. You already know the result--I chose poorly. I have never seen those before, and I haven't since (22) and finally, I have taken many pictures along the way.
See...
flowers + arch + view
bubbles.
Two additional thoughts: (1) kids are the same everywhere.
(2) had to coyly pretend I was taking a picture of something else in the distance. Papa watching.
long.
Tarot cards
formula for great: [ADD] an old couple, a little boat, and mix in a rower with a pony tail.
Retiro [another part]
Park Entrance
art resides aqui
the ritz
dog + dad + kid receiving sunday advice = the good life
*note: taken immediately after the dad timed the son's sprint to a trashcan
**note: photo compliments of my camera's mega zoom option
dressed for the part...Madrid is clean.
Plaza Mayor
oldest door in Madrid or Spain (I forget which)
Always Something...
Palacio Real [w/zoom]
Palacio Real
Madrid Cathedral
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)